Beginner Off-Road Trails Near El Rito, New Mexico

This is a scenic, well-maintained US FS road connecting El Rito and Vallecitos. There are no services in either small mountain community besides the restaurant El Farolito (cash only). With a number of other US…
Learn more about FS 44 El Rito to Vallecitos

This trail begins by turning right onto FS 23 from US 84 North, just south of Route 96 turn off to the lake. You will begin climbing in elevation and the views to the west…
Learn more about FS 23/FS 137 Abiquiu to El Rito

Truck Trl FSR-123 is a point-to-point trail connecting from the south at FSR-44 to the north at FSR-106 and is primarily softer dirt prone to rutting and mud after rain or snow melt. Rutting averages…
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Green Camp Canyon is an overlander and camper's paradise. The well-maintained service trail is surrounded by thick trees and lush green foliage, with no obstacles over 10 inches in size that are only found at…
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Canada del Potrero is an out-and-back trail that is well-maintained overall and suitable for most vehicles. Dispersed camping is permitted along the entire length of the trail and offers several locations with diverse settings and…
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Jacques Canyon is an exceptionally well-maintained and easily passable trail for most vehicles, including some high-clearance passenger cars. While dispersed camping is not permitted along this particular trail, the thick trees that line the route…
Learn more about Jacques Canyon FSR-719

FS 45 is a scenic, well-maintained dirt road that connects two small mountain towns, Vallecitos and Petaca. This can be considered part three of a fun and relaxing set of trails starting in Abiquiu, and…
Learn more about FS 45 Vallecitos to Petaca

Abiquiu Dam trail starts with a short paved section at the top of the dam and works its way down some switchbacks to the base of the dam where the road turns to dirt. This…
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Vallecitos Pass is a dispersed camper's dream, even if you only have a high clearance 2WD. This easy-to-traverse trail has no major obstacles, only showing signs of minor ruts and small grades with loose rocks.…
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Lined with thick trees and large rock formations within the tree lines, the Big Rock trail loops the mountain's base with a good diversity of terrain. The trail is primarily dirt that can be extremely…
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This is a short, straightforward trail in Carson National Forest that is well maintained, allowing any stock SUV to get from beginning to end with little stress. There are beautiful views, stands of cottonwoods amongst…
Learn more about FS 222 Las Tablas to Tres Piedras

Red Mesa FSR-578 is a point-to-point trail that connects from FS-222/CR-263 at its north entrance and leads back to SH-285 at its south entrance. This trail can be traversed from either end and is suitable…
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Tusas Ridge runs north from FSR-222 and dead-ends shy 10 miles to the west after a few substantial elevation changes. The primarily dirt two-track trail can be extremely muddy after wet weather, with smaller loose…
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Clara Peak a relatively relaxed drive starting through the plains of the lower BLM land east of Espanola before starting to climb in the Santa Fe National Forest. 31 mile road which lasts the majority…
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Chama Canyon is an incredibly scenic trail that skirts the Chama River while being nestled amongst colorful cliffs. The entire area has several points of interest, including Abiquiu Reservoir, Ghost Ranch, and Echo Amphitheater, to…
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The Chama Canyon Cliffside Loop is an optional scenic trail that diverges from Chama Canyon and follows the base of colorfully layered cliffs. Though short in length, the trail offers some amazing views. This trail…
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The "road less traveled" describes this peaceful, unique high mountain trail. The peacefulness is due to the trail being sheltered from the wind and the uniqueness is due to the gigantic boulders that line your…
Learn more about Boulder Wash - FR 451

Corral Canyon is a 4.2-mile single track in the Sante Fe National Forest north of the town of Los Alamos and is probably the most fun and most popular dirt bike trail in this area.…
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Corral Jumper is a short trail, that connects FS Roads 831 and 445C. The trail can be rather hard to find at first and may require some route-finding skills but does offer a few small…
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This rocky route travels through a dense forest along a mesa top with several unavoidable mud holes. The road is eroded and rutted in places, and fallen trees may need to be moved depending on…
Learn more about Cienega Redonda - FS 27

Cany is a road-width braided trail in the Sante Fe National Forest north of the town of Los Alamos. It's a short trail, 0.9 miles, that connects FS Roads 446 and 445. The trail is…
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Chupaderos Spur is an easy road-width trail that starts off Chupaderos Road 446. It's a dead-end trail that doesn't really end at anything but could be fun for a beginner to explore the area since…
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This trail takes you up into the Santa Fe National Forest. This is an easy trail for most with AWD or 4WD. Make sure you have gas as this is a vast mountain range where…
Learn more about Encino Mountain Trail

Pajarito (FR446CC) serves as an access road used to connect users to the northern trail system. The road begins at the end of Maria's Canyon, with a notable landmark, the large open grazing area that…
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Chupaderos Connector is primarily a section of Forrest Service Road 446 that connects Forrest Service Road 446H and the trail head Chupaderos Spur 824. It is an easy, full-width trail with no natural obstacles. There…
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This is a relatively easy 5.7 mile route off of FR 144. The route winds through Ponderosa Pines and Aspens with some beautiful, secluded camping spots. It also leads to a choice of other trails…
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Maria's Canyon, FS 416, is a scenic off-road forest service road that offers an engaging experience and serves as the main access route into the extensive trail system in the area, making it a vital…
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FR445B is a major access road providing access to the western trail system in the area. 445B features a rock bed surface, providing a natural and rugged experience while remaining accessible to most vehicles equipped…
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Beanfield Ridge is a short single track through a grassy high desert terrain that is easy to miss from both entrances because there are no trail markings in this area. It departs from Maria's Canyon…
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Tightrope Connector is a very short single track through a grassy high desert terrain that links Maria's Canyon Road to Beanfield Ridge. It provides a method of jumping into some technical single track more early…
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